Over the past 48 hours, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized significant strategic territory, including the port city of Mocha in the country’s west, near the Red Sea.
The Iran-aligned Houthi group is now positioned approximately 60 km from the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, a waterway through which 12% of global trade passes.
Bab al-Mandab, which also serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Aden, is a maritime route linking trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The Houthis stated that their seizure of—or proximity to—Bab al-Mandab should not be viewed as a threat to international shipping; however, they reiterated threats to target vessels linked to the Saudi government.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government—backed by Saudi Arabia—and UAE-backed forces have lost substantial strategic territory over the last 48 hours, as the Houthis have demonstrated unexpected military strength.
The Houthi advance has also extended to areas and supply routes in Taiz province that overlook the coast.
These areas hold strategic importance, as they are situated along Yemen’s western coast and lie near the Bab al-Mandab Strait—one of the world’s most vital maritime passages. This strait connects the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea, serving as a crucial link in the maritime trade route between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.
It’s an enormous setback to the Saudi backed government and to all the rich oil exporting gulf states and the US as Iran’s ally now taking control one of major maritime in the world. As Iran took control over Hormuz and the Houthi seizes Bab-el mendab. It will jeopardize America’s economic and strategic interests and the gulf-states immediately.
Written by: Omar Ahmed Malin
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